President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for its progress in building a national identity system, with over 126 million Nigerians now enrolled in the National Identity Database.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, gave the commendation during the National Day of Identity celebration in Abuja on Tuesday. He noted that the database plays a key role in digital transformation, financial inclusion, social protection, and national security.
The Director-General of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said over 123 million Nigerians are already captured, while the commission has cleared a backlog of 2.5 million records. She added that NIMC is focusing on three pillars—expanding enrolment across the country, protecting citizens’ data through strong cybersecurity, and using the National Identification Number (NIN) to empower people through access to welfare, loans, and subsidies.
Coker-Odusote revealed that more than 449,000 students have accessed loans worth ₦86.35 billion using the NIN. She also explained that the agency has grown diaspora enrolment by over 50 percent, integrated identity services into key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and security, and maintained international certification for data protection.
The President disclosed that the database’s storage capacity has been upgraded from 100 million to 250 million records to ensure universal coverage. Over 1,500 enrolment devices are active in Nigeria, with more than 200 centres set up abroad. He added that special enrolments have been carried out for refugees, displaced persons, and inmates.
As part of security measures, more than 30 fraudulent operators have been arrested, illegal centres closed, and phishing websites dismantled. Tinubu also said that harmonization with over 120 partner agencies has reduced duplication and improved service delivery across immigration, health, education, telecommunications, and other sectors.
He noted that NIMC has invested in better customer service with a High Availability Verification Service that ensures almost uninterrupted access. Staff welfare has also improved with promotions and salary adjustments for over 2,800 workers.
The President reaffirmed that under his Renewed Hope Agenda, the NIN will continue to be central to national development, helping to fight fraud, improve revenue collection, strengthen planning, and expand access to government services. He assured that his administration will continue to build digital infrastructure that includes every Nigerian and supports a secure and technology-driven future.